2007-08 East Division Preview

[Scout]

Courtesy Alan Caldwell

Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Eastern division preview
Alrighty.....season starts in two days, so it's preview time. First up is the Eastern division, and I'll follow with the Central, B.C., and U.S. divisions over the next couple days.

Couple caveats - first, my record at this hasn't exactly put me in Nostradamus' league over the years, so if you don't agree with my assessment of your favourite team, relax and tell yourself I'm probably wrong, again. It's just for fun. Comments are definitely welcome though. Secondly, I obviously can't foresee injuries or all trades, so these are based only on the rosters at the current moment, with my picks for which overagers stick around, etc.

Enjoy....


Regina Pats:
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Overagers:
In: Troy Ofukany (F)
Out: Kaspars Saulietis (F), Justin Scott (F), Myles Stoesz (F)

Departed Players:
Kyle Deck (D-86) (Reg: 57-7-18-25-83; Plf: 10-0-2-2-16) - graduated overager
Garrett Festerling (F-86) (Reg: 67-22-51-73-46; Plf: 10-5-7-12-16) - graduated overager
Kyle Ross (F-86) (Reg: 71-20-48-68-78; Plf: 10-4-3-7-18) - graduated overager
Kaspars Saulietis (F-87) (Reg: 35-10-7-17-43; Plf: 10-1-1-2-12) - released (projected)
Justin Scott (F-87) (Reg: 61-4-10-14-18; Plf: 1-0-0-0-2) - released
Niko Snellman (F-88) (Reg: 32-5-5-10-65) - released
Myles Stoesz (F-87) (Reg: 29-4-2-6-89; Plf: 9-0-0-0-21) - turning pro (projected)
Tommy Tartaglione (G-88) (Reg: 22gp, 10-5-1, 2.88gaa, .899sv%) - traded to Edmonton

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Jordan Eberle (F-90) (Reg: 66-28-27-55-32; Plf: 6-2-5-7-2)
Josh Elder (F-88) (Reg: 13-1-2-3-33; Plf: 10-1-2-3-6)
Cody Gross (F-89) (Reg: 55-6-5-11-20; Plf: 5-0-2-2-0) - stats with Prince Albert
Kirt Hill (F-88) (Reg: 40-3-7-10-51; Plf: 10-0-0-0-28)
Jared Jagow (F-88) (Reg: 60-10-5-15-16; Plf: 10-1-0-1-4)
Brett Leffler (F-89) (Reg: 69-13-13-26-114; Plf: 10-2-0-2-14)
Levi Lind (F-88) (Reg: 59-6-10-16-60; Plf: 10-0-2-2-20)
Michael MacAngus (F-88) (Reg: 30-14-14-28-26; Plf: 10-5-5-10-11)
Troy Ofukany (F-87) (Reg: 40-13-17-30-36; Plf: 10-3-4-7-16)
Mike Reich (F-88) (Reg: 50-15-6-21-155; Plf: 4-0-0-0-16)

Defence:
Matt Delahey (D-89) (Reg: 60-1-5-6-42; Plf: 10-0-0-0-4)
Spencer Fraipont (D-88) (Reg: 27-0-1-1-12)
Logan Pyett (D-88) (Reg: 71-14-48-62-84; Plf: 10-3-6-9-4)
Nick Ross (D-89) (Reg: 70-7-24-31-87; Plf: 10-1-5-6-14)
Craig Schira (D-88) (Reg: 71-3-23-26-74; Plf: 10-0-0-0-4)
Colten Teubert (D-90) (Reg: 63-3-8-11-91; Plf: 10-0-1-1-13)

Goaltenders:
Linden Rowat (G-89) (Reg: 52gp, 25-18-7, 2.87gaa, .897sv%; Plf: 10gp, 4-6, 3.17gaa, .894sv%)

Rookies:
Jeff Bosch (G-90) (Reg: 2gp, 0-2-0, 2.57gaa, 0.923sv%)
Rudolf Cerveny (F-89) - new import
Dru Cotterill (F-90)
Marco Insam (F-89) - new import
Damien Ketlo (G-91)
Curtis Kulchar (D-90) (Reg: 4-0-0-0-0)
Matt MacDermott (D-88)
Garrett Mitchell (F-91) (Reg: 4-0-1-1-2)
Alex Pym (D-91)
Matt Strueby (F-89) (Reg: 1-1-0-1-0)

Prognosis: If the scoring comes through, a pretty good team here. This is an older, very experienced team with nine 19 year olds for which the expectations are high - and for good reason. Pyett-Ross-Schira-Teubert is a solid top four (maybe the best top four in the division?) on the back end, with depth from Delahey, Fraipont, and a pretty good prospect like Kulchar. Rowat provides solid goaltending, and the backup this year - Jeff Bosch - is one of the best 1990-born goaltending prospects in the league, so he should be able to push Rowat - especially if his two appearances last season were any indication. Up front is where the questions come in, as there's not really a lot of proven top-line scorers there. Eberle for sure, but the team will really feel the loss of Festerling and Ross unless some other players step up and/or become more consistent. Even more will be needed from MacAngus and Ofukany, and a big breakout year for Brett Leffler is due. Mike Reich realizing that the team can't score when they're shorthanded because he's in the penalty box would be another positive. So would big rookie seasons from Matt Strueby and new imports Marco Insam and Rudolf Cerveny - or Kaspars Saulietis if the team decides to keep him ahead of one of the rookie Euros. There is also room to add one or more overagers, if any come available who can fill the holes.

Prediction: Best defence and goaltending makes them the class in the Eastern division. First in the division and 2nd or 3rd in the conference.

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Swift Current Broncos:
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Overagers:
In: R.J. LaRochelle (D), Brady Leavold (F), Michael Wilson (D)
Out: Daniel Rakos (F)

Departed Players:
Kyle Moir (G-86) (Reg: 55gp, 21-27-1, 3.19gaa, .903sv%; Plf: 6gp, 2-4, 3.17gaa, .887sv%) - graduated overager
Daniel Rakos (F-87) (Reg: 63-16-19-35-108; Plf: 6-0-3-3-10) - released
Myles Rumsey (D-86) (Reg: 69-0-9-9-115; Plf: 6-0-1-1-8) - graduated overager
Jeremy Schenderling (F-86) (Reg: 65-23-18-41-103; Plf: 6-5-2-7-6) - graduated overager

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Kyle Bortis (F-88) (Reg: 56-18-20-38-22; Plf: 6-1-1-2-4)
Philip Gervais (F-90) (Reg: 53-3-1-4-70; Plf: 5-0-0-0-4)
Brady Leavold (F-87) (Reg: 55-14-21-35-142; Plf: 6-1-1-2-4)
Levi Nelson (F-88) (Reg: 66-18-34-52-125; Plf: 6-4-3-7-4)
Zack Smith (F-88) (Reg: 71-16-15-31-130; Plf: 6-0-2-2-11)
David Stieler (F-88) (Reg: 71-13-22-35-25; Plf: 6-0-0-0-2)
Matt Tassone (F-89) (Reg: 38-6-2-8-60)
Grant Toulmin (F-89) (Reg: 60-2-2-4-37)
Dale Weise (F-88) (Reg: 67-18-25-43-94; Plf: 6-0-1-1-8)
Geordie Wudrick (F-90) (Reg: 67-13-11-24-60; Plf: 6-1-1-2-4)

Defence:
Derek Claffey (D-89) (Reg: 64-1-11-12-41; Plf: 6-0-0-0-2)
Eric Doyle (D-89) (Reg: 25-5-8-13-24; Plf: 6-0-2-2-4)
R.J. LaRochelle (D-87) (Reg: 63-3-5-8-135; Plf: 6-1-1-2-16)
Spencer McAvoy (D-88) (Reg: 59-5-10-15-43; Plf: 6-0-1-1-8)
Ryan Molle (D-89) (Reg: 61-1-4-5-52; Plf: 6-1-0-1-8)
Paul Postma (D-89) (Reg: 70-5-19-24-42; Plf: 6-0-1-1-0)
Michael Wilson (D-87) (Reg: 71-10-27-37-67; Plf: 6-0-1-1-2)

Goaltenders:
Travis Yonkman (G-88) (Reg: 30gp, 12-9-2, 3.35gaa, .893sv%)

Rookies:
Mike Brown (F-90) (Reg: 3-0-0-0-0)
Ian Curtis (G-90)
Jan Dalecky (F-90) - new import
Justin Dowling (F-90) (Reg: 3-0-3-3-0; Plf: 1-0-0-0-0)
Cody Eakin (F-91) (Reg: 3-0-0-0-0)
Brad Hoban (F-91) (Reg: 4-0-0-0-0)
Joel Rogers (D-91)

Prognosis: Fairly well-rounded, veteran-filled team that's not outstanding in any one area but may not not have many glaring weaknesses either. There is a good amount of veteran scoring up front from the likes of Bortis, Wudrick, Weise, Nelson, Stieler, Smith, etc - basically two lines of second-line type players at this point, no big-time superstar point-getters emerged there yet although Wudrick could take that step this year. Nothing wrong with scoring by committee though if the committee is sufficiently large, which in this case it is. The blueline is also solid with good vets like Doyle, Molle, Postma, LaRochelle, Wilson, etc. Few big stars but as a group, pretty good for quality and depth and a good mix of offensive and defensive types. In net is the one question area though, regarding Travis Yonkman's ability to be the starter, given that his numbers as a backup for the last two years are not impressive. He is 19 now and will get every opportunity to prove he can do the job; his backup will be well-regarded rookie Ian Curtis. I think goaltending is about the only thing stopping the Broncos from maybe being an outside contender this year, really. If Yonkman emerges as a legit 45-50 game starter, I think this team could see the 2nd or even 3rd round of the playoffs?

Prediction: Second in the division. 4th or 5th in the conference. Could be a close race with Moose Jaw and/or Prince Albert for 2nd-3rd-4th?

[Scout]

Moose Jaw Warriors:
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Overagers:
In: Terrance Delaronde (F), Joey Perricone (G), Keith Voytechek (F)
Out: Martin Grundling (D), Kurt Jory (G)

Departed Players:
Steven Gillen (F-86) (Reg: 72-25-38-63-76) - graduated overager
Martin Grundling (D-87) (Reg: 62-4-13-17-105) - pro in Europe
Michael Hengen (D-87) (Reg: 24-3-10-13-12) - to Edmonton in expansion draft
Matt Isbister (F-86) (Reg: 64-14-16-30-50) - graduated overager
Kurt Jory (G-87) (Reg: 29gp, 10-10-1, 3.64gaa, .890sv%) - released (projected)
Cody Thoring (D-86) (Reg: 31-1-15-16-64) - graduated overager

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Jason Bast (F-89) (Reg: 71-16-23-39-25)
Brady Calla (F-88) (Reg: 39-12-20-32-19)
Terrance Delaronde (F-87) (Reg: 69-12-12-24-109; Plf: 4-2-0-2-4) - stats with Kamloops
Ryley Grantham (F-88) (Reg: 33-1-1-2-50)
Jason Grecica (F-90) (Reg: 43-1-0-1-22)
Riley Holzapfel (F-88) (Reg: 72-39-43-82-94)
Jordan Knackstedt (F-88) (Reg: 39-13-26-39-44)
Neal Prokop (F-90) (Reg: 53-1-3-4-12)
Jason Reese (F-88) (Reg: 46-23-23-46-32)
Brad Riege (F-89) (Reg: 62-8-4-12-46)
Keith Voytechek (F-87) (Reg: 58-18-16-34-75)

Defence:
Travis Ehrhardt (D-89) (Reg: 69-0-29-29-83)
Travis Hamonic (D-90) (Reg: 22-0-3-3-30)
Giffen Nyren (D-89) (Reg: 61-2-13-15-45)
Ryan Stanton (D-89) (Reg: 54-0-8-8-75)
Chad Suer (D-90) (Reg: 42-0-5-5-20)
Jock Sutter (D-88) (Reg: 48-2-5-7-30)

Goaltenders:
Joey Perricone (G-87) (Reg: 52gp, 18-30-2, 3.59gaa, .888sv%)

Rookies:
Martin Filo (F-89) - new import
Tomas Karpov (F-89) - new import
Todd Matthews (G-90)
Justin Maylan (F-91)
Kevin Smith (D-91) (Reg: 4-0-0-0-2)
Brian Sommers (F-90)

Prognosis: Some questions about the blueline and goaltending but overall a competitive looking team. There will be no hurting for offence as at least six or seven players on this roster should top 40-50 points minimum - Holzapfel, Reese, Calla, Knackstedt, etc. There is also a good supporting cast of forwards as well - Prokop, Riege, etc. No worries about that facet of the game. The defence is another matter though as it is not deep in either skill or experience. #4-#6 guys galore but not many 30 minute all-situation or all-star calibre guys. Definitely room for some improvements there - just as there may be in net, where many expect Joey Perricone will retain his starting job. But, Perricone won't have that job for long if he can't return to his star form from 05-06 rather than his inconsistent play of last year. If Perricone can't get back in the groove by the overage deadline, the job might go to fellow overage candidate Kurt Jory instead. If neither of them can do it? Might be a longer year there than I think.

Prediction: 3rd in the division. 6th or 7th in the conference. Could be a close race with Swift Current and/or Prince Albert for 2nd-3rd-4th?

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Prince Albert Raiders:
--------------------
Overagers:
In: John Flatters (D), Mike Gauthier (D), Jeff May (D)
Out: - none -

Departed Players:
Jesse Deckert (G-86) (Reg: 49gp, 20-26-3, 3.24gaa, .896sv%; Plf: 5gp, 1-4, 3.48gaa, .913sv%) - graduated overager
Jarrid Dowhay (F-87) (Reg: 57-3-3-6-38; Plf: 5-0-0-0-0) - released
Cody Gross (F-89) (Reg: 55-6-5-11-20; Plf: 5-0-2-2-0) - to Edmonton in expansion draft
Mike Hellyer (F-86) (Reg: 71-20-32-52-55; Plf: 5-1-3-4-0) - graduated overager
Milan Jurik (F-88) (Reg: 59-5-8-13-16) - released
Shane Malone (D-89) (Reg: 39-0-3-3-37; Plf: 1-0-0-0-0) - awaiting trade
Brent Ottmann (F-88) (Reg: 42-8-11-19-30; Plf: 2-0-0-0-2) - awaiting trade
Lukas Zeliska (F-88) (Reg: 61-4-25-29-77; Plf: 5-1-4-5-4) - released

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Ryan DePape (F-88) (Reg: 62-25-31-56-79; Plf: 5-2-2-4-4)
Ashton Hewson (F-88) (Reg: 52-7-14-21-53; Plf: 5-1-1-2-4)
Bryce Lamb (F-89) (Reg: 71-8-11-19-65; Plf: 5-1-0-1-8)
Devon LeBlanc (F-88) (Reg: 34-7-6-13-8; Plf: 5-1-1-2-4)
Ryan McDonald (F-88) (Reg: 41-19-21-40-72; Plf: 5-3-2-5-18)
Matt Robertson (F-88) (Reg: 69-37-27-64-30; Plf: 5-2-2-4-2)
Andy Smith (F-89) (Reg: 69-17-16-33-26; Plf: 5-0-0-0-4)
Jordan Trach (F-90) (Reg: 41-1-3-4-37; Plf: 2-0-0-0-0)

Defence:
John Flatters (D-87) (Reg: 31-0-6-6-68; Plf: 5-0-0-0-14)
Mike Gauthier (D-87) (Reg: 69-5-19-24-264; Plf: 4-0-1-1-17)
Jeff May (D-87) (Reg: 72-10-34-44-96; Plf: 5-0-3-3-2)
Justin Palazzo (D-89) (Reg: 59-1-6-7-117; Plf: 1-0-0-0-0)
Colin Scherger (D-89) (Reg: 18-0-2-2-23; Plf: 5-0-0-0-2)
Blaine Tendler (D-90) (Reg: 49-0-13-13-14; Plf: 5-0-0-0-2)
Cody Vann (D-89) (Reg: 63-0-5-5-146; Plf: 5-0-0-0-6)

Goaltenders:
David Aime (G-89) (Reg: 27gp, 6-8-2, 3.68gaa, .876sv%)

Rookies:
Kyle Aschim (D-90) (Reg: 2-0-0-0-0)
Max Brandl (F-88) - new import
Ryan Button (D-91)
Nathan Deck (D-90) (Reg: 1-0-0-0-0) - stats with Vancouver
James Dobrowolski (F-90)
Brandon Herrod (F-91)
Mike Small (F-90)
Steven Stanford (G-90)
Tomas Voracek (D-90) - new import

Prognosis: Some strengths and some questions for this Raiders team. Starting up front, there's some good proven WHL scorers up there such as DePape, Robertson, McDonald, and Smith, and who knows what to expect from 19 year old import rookie Max Brandl. Overall forward depth past those guys is an issue though - losing first round bantam pick Cole Penner to Jr A could hurt - but the offence should be no worse than average. The blueline boasts seven vets from last year, but not much in the way of stars. May and Gauthier are solid and bigger things are expected of 2nd-year Blaine Tendler, but expectations drop off after that for the rest; how many of them can make a pass or carry the puck? New import Voracek and a good prospect in Deck need ice time as well, so something has to give here with the large number of veterans. And by far the biggest question facing this team is in net, where for the 2nd year in row they have opted to go with two unproven (or relatively unproven) goaltenders. David Aime was here last year and did not fare well as a rookie, forcing the team to reacquire Jesse Deckert in midseason. Now Aime will be expected to be the starter and will be backed up by 17 year old rookie Steven Stanford. One of these guys needs to establish himself as a bona fide WHL starter and will have to do so in the first 4-6 weeks of the season or else the team may have to go veteran-hunting once again. Overall a competitive but not contending team.

Prediction: 4th in the division. 7th or 8th in the conference. If things go right, could challenge Moose Jaw and/or Swift Current for 3rd or even 2nd?

[Scout]

Saskatoon Blades:
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Overagers:
In: Chris Durand (F), Michael Kaye (F), Curtis Patterson (D)
Out: - none -

Departed Players:
Mike Clements (D-90) (Reg: 21-0-1-1-4) - released
Chris Cloud (F-88) (Reg: 63-7-15-22-124) - traded to Vancouver
Brad Cole (D-86) (Reg: 63-16-25-41-83) - graduated overager
Troy Crowley (F-89) (Reg: 52-1-1-2-43) - left to play Jr A
Kenton Dulle (F-88) (Reg: 22-4-3-7-27) - to Edmonton in expansion draft
Adam Geric (F-89) (Reg: 50-1-0-1-51) - released
Rastislav Konecny (F-88) (Reg: 36-9-13-22-28) - returned to Europe
Joe Logan (D-86) (Reg: 65-2-29-31-86) - graduated overager
Blair Macaulay (F-88) (Reg: 66-9-9-18-76) - traded to Tri-City
Ryan Menei (F-86) (Reg: 71-35-42-77-67) - graduated overager
Bohdan Visnak (D-88) (Reg: 49-3-12-15-36) - released

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Dustin Cameron (F-89) (Reg: 64-6-12-18-39)
Craig Cuthbert (F-88) (Reg: 31-0-1-1-22)
Chris Durand (F-87) (Reg: 71-9-18-27-97; Plf: 15-4-10-14-14) - stats with Seattle/Prince George
Colton Gillies (F-89) (Reg: 65-13-17-30-148)
Derek Hulak (F-89) (Reg: 31-12-14-26-14)
Michael Kaye (F-87) (Reg: 53-10-17-27-79; Plf: 6-1-0-1-10) - stats with Tri-City
Garrett Klotz (F-88) (Reg: 63-2-2-4-107)
Justin McCrae (F-88) (Reg: 61-16-33-49-98)
Gaelan Patterson (F-90) (Reg: 53-3-1-4-24)
Walker Wintoneak (F-89) (Reg: 72-10-9-19-26)

Defence:
Ryan Funk (D-89) (Reg: 24-2-4-6-51)
Sam Klassen (D-89) (Reg: 39-1-5-6-52)
Curtis Patterson (D-87) (Reg: 61-1-5-6-68; Plf: 15-0-4-4-14) - stats with Prince George
Brett Ward (D-88) (Reg: 67-4-17-21-88)
Teigan Zahn (D-90) (Reg: 39-0-3-3-68)

Goaltenders:
Braden Holtby (G-89) (Reg: 51gp, 17-29-3, 3.21gaa, .895sv%)
Garrett Zemlak (G-89) (Reg: 20gp, 8-7-0, 2.77gaa, .903sv%)

Rookies:
Kirk Belyk (F-89) (Reg: 9-1-0-1-0)
Mitch Berg (D-91) (Reg: 11-0-0-0-0)
Jordan Braid (F-89) (Reg: 9-0-2-2-2)
Robert Brandis (F-88) - new import
Stefan Elliott (D-91) (Reg: 1-0-0-0-0)
Curtis Hamilton (F-91) (Reg: 2-0-0-0-0)
Colton MacPherson (D-89)
Jyri Niemi (D-90) - new import
Kevin Philp (F-90)
Travis Toomey (F-90) (Reg: 5-1-0-1-2)
Brendon Wall (D-90)
Cody Wutzke (F-90)

Prognosis: Despite having the most returning veterans of any WHL team, I still have a lot of reservations about the Blades' roster. This is a good case of where "veteran" and "good player" are not synonymous. Goaltending is decent, I'll grant that. Braden Holtby did not play as well last year as he would probably have liked but I think he will bounce back this year. If not, Garrett Zemlak came off the WHL discard pile to prove he could play in the league too, and he'll push Holtby for playing time. His numbers last year were actually a lot better than Holtby's were. On defence though, there might be five vets there but I really don't see very much to like there. Teigan Zahn has some upside but the rest of those vets are all pretty weak- average WHLers at best. The team hopes new import Jyri Niemi can make a difference on the blueline and so far in the preseason, he has. Stefan Elliott and Mitch Berg were first round bantam picks, but both are just 16. I think this is easily the worst defence corps in the division and that's going to hold the team back. Up front there is a bit of a lack of proven first-line WHL scorers. New overagers Chris Durand and Michael Kaye were brought in to help in that area, and they will, but Kaye has never been a big scorer in four years in this league, and Durand has not played as well in the last two years as he did when he was 16 & 17. Justin McCrae is proven and the Blades certainly hope Colton Gillies' offensive numbers will take off this year and prove that he's more than just a big guy who can skate really well. Derek Hulak was a nice addition last year and should be a point-a-gamer this year. Overall though, it's just very spotty other than McCrae, Hulak, and maybe Gillies and Durand. New import Robert Brandis might help but he's 19 and hasn't looked good in preseason. You would expect 19 year olds to be very strong in preseason if they're going to contribute to your team. Too many questions.

Prediction: 5th in the division. 9th or 10th in the conference.

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Brandon Wheat Kings:
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Overagers:
In: Daryl Boyle (D), Tyler Dittmer (F), Theran Yeo (D)
Out: Codey Burki (F), Bryan Kauk (F), Dustin Kohn (D), Mark Louis (D), Tyler Plante (G), Ryan Reaves (F), Juraj Simek (F)

Departed Players:
Codey Burki (F-87) (Reg: 70-36-49-85-83; Plf: 11-6-5-11-4) - turning pro
Mark Derlago (F-86) (Reg: 72-46-35-81-34; Plf: 11-5-5-10-8) - graduated overager
Matt Hallick (F-89) (Reg: 50-1-7-8-31; Plf: 7-0-0-0-0) - awaiting trade
Bryan Kauk (F-87) (Reg: 59-5-13-18-33; Plf: 11-1-0-1-6) - playing Jr A
Robert Klinkhammer (F-86) (Reg: 28-10-21-31-29; Plf: 11-4-4-8-22) - graduated overager
Dustin Kohn (D-87) (Reg: 61-5-45-50-77; Plf: 11-1-8-9-18) - turning pro
Brandon Lockerby (F-88) (Reg: 40-1-8-9-16) - to Edmonton in expansion draft
Mark Louis (D-87) (Reg: 72-2-6-8-113; Plf: 11-0-0-0-8) - trade (projected)
Tyler Plante (G-87) (Reg: 54gp, 30-14-9, 2.71gaa, .911sv%; Plf: 11gp, 6-5, 3.37gaa, .889sv%) - turning pro
Ryan Reaves (F-87) (Reg: 69-15-20-35-76; Plf: 11-1-4-5-19) - turning pro
Juraj Simek (F-87) (Reg: 58-28-29-57-41; Plf: 9-1-5-6-6) - pro in Europe
Jeff Topilko (F-86) (Reg: 66-21-33-54-32; Plf: 1-1-0-1-0) - graduated overager

Projected Returnees:

Forwards:
Daniel Bartek (F-88) (Reg: 63-12-10-22-10; Plf: 11-2-2-4-0)
Andrew Clark (F-88) (Reg: 72-28-32-60-66; Plf: 11-4-2-6-6)
Tyler Dittmer (F-87) (Reg: 70-10-26-36-43; Plf: 11-3-4-7-2)
Jay Fehr (F-89) (Reg: 56-7-16-23-10; Plf: 11-1-3-4-6)
Nathan Green (F-89) (Reg: 36-3-3-6-6; Plf: 7-1-0-1-2)
Cale Jeffries (F-89) (Reg: 37-2-5-7-39; Plf: 8-0-0-0-0)
Matt Lowry (F-88) (Reg: 63-10-12-22-42; Plf: 22-0-1-1-19) - stats with Medicine Hat

Defence:
Keith Aulie (D-89) (Reg: 66-1-8-9-82; Plf: 11-0-2-2-14)
Daryl Boyle (D-87) (Reg: 72-11-38-49-67; Plf: 11-1-4-5-2)
Chad Erb (D-88) (Reg: 44-2-4-6-86; Plf: 11-0-1-1-23)
Colby Robak (D-90) (Reg: 39-2-3-5-12; Plf: 1-0-0-0-0)
Theran Yeo (D-87) (Reg: 55-2-11-13-164; Plf: 11-0-3-3-28)

Goaltenders:
Joe Caligiuri (G-89) (Reg: 19gp, 11-5-2, 2.68gaa, .901sv%; Plf: 1gp, 0-0, 9.25gaa, .333sv%)

Rookies:
Matt Calvert (F-89)
Del Cowan (F-89)
Scott Glennie (F-91)
Alexander Grill-Donovan (D-90)
Jordan Hale (F-90)
Andrew Hayes (G-90)
Sanfred King (F-90)
Brody Melnychuk (D-91)
Derek Robinson (D-89)
Brayden Schenn (F-91)
Matt Smith (D-89) (Reg: 5-0-1-1-0)

Prognosis: It's a rebuilding year for the Wheaties and while past rebuilding years here have not resulted in last-place finishes, there's far too many question marks surrounding this year's team not to think they are going to have to fight to avoid the basement. There are definitely some very good young players coming in but you win with vets, not 16 year olds, and the quality vets are few and far between here. Up front they have enough bodies for one solid line with the likes of Clark, Dittmer, Fehr, and Bartek. Depth drops right off after that and kids like Sanfred King, Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie will get every opportunity to play larger roles than 16/17 year old rookies usually do. Goals are going to be at a premium here though. Which brings us to the strong point on the team, the blueline. If the Wheaties are going to have to play it tight, it's in their favour that they will have five veteran defencemen back from last year. There are a number of young faces pushing for playing time here too though so depending on how the rookie defenders do, it opens up the option of trading veteran defencemen for scoring help up front. The goaltending situation though is murky; on the surface it would seem likely that the starting job is Joe Caligiuri's (last season's backup) to lose. But the team is very high on Andrew Hayes and Hayes should get every opportunity to claim the job for himself. Problem is that Hayes showed up to camp with a broken finger so who knows when he'll be ready to play. Either way though this is an unsettled situation since Caligiuri was decent last year but obviously didn't earn the confidence of team brass or else they wouldn't spend so much time talking about Hayes. And Hayes is still unproven. If one or both of these guys emerges as a legit #1 this year, it would be a huge boon to any playoff chances the Wheat Kings might have. As it is though, I think this is a year on the outside.

Prediction: 6th place in the East. Probably 10th or 11th in the conference.

[hobster]

Wow just shows how predictionsis crap shoot if i were people i wouldn't put too much into the preaseason cause if you do that would mean the spokane cheifs will beat out london nights from a couple seasons ago and edmonton will have a 500%

it;s really quit simple i'll show

1.REGINA PATS
2.MOOSE JAW WARRIORS
3.SASKATOON BLADES
4.PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS
5.SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOES
6.BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

SWIFT CURRENT THANX FOR THE LAUGH HAHA broncoes for second haha

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

Yeah, lets all trust Hobster, who, judging by his posts, is probably 10 years old, over a guy who has what might have the best blog based on the news relating to WHL hockey on the web, and he has obviously put alot of work into his predictions.

I think he did a pretty good job on the east predictions, considering he is a calgary fan(if I am not mistaken, he is from Calgary), and though I do not agree with him on a couple of things, I think that he still knows what he is talking about.

It is not easy to be right about every team in the WHL.

[hobster]

Oh for sure he does a very good job on his posts ,however i'am allowed too dissagree on something i don't agree with ,and deffinitly not the blades for 5th is all i know.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

Oh for sure he does a very good job on his posts ,however i'am allowed too dissagree on something i don't agree with ,and deffinitly not the blades for 5th is all i know.

Its the way you do it, not the fact that do dont agree. Think about it.

That and frankly, its almost impossible for the blades to finish 3rd in this divsion this year. I mean look at their team this year. They arent quite at the final product yet. (please dont star the gillies parade, it wont change anything)

[hobster]

well this is how i see it i think holtby is the best goalie in the division the team defence is probablly 5th scoring i would rank 3rd

so east div rankings this is how i rate it

scoring
1.moose jaw
2.prince albert
3.saskatoon
4.regina
5.swift current
6.brandon

defence
1.regina
2.swift current
3.prince albert
4.brandon
5.saskatoon
6.moose jaw

goaltending
1.saskatoon
2.regina
3.moose jaw
4.swift current
5.prince albert
6.brandon

So judging by that i see the Blades with only one 5th place finish and thats defence, if they can pick up a solid 19 year old d-man this team could very well win the division.

[hobster]

oops pa looking a little better now expecially on goaltending well that just screwes up predictions

[Drop em' eh]

Its the way you do it, not the fact that you dont agree. Think about it.

I have to give Hobster some credit, applause his posts are becoming more civil, and he was even positive in his post about the Raider's trade for Butler.

Way to go Hobster.

[hobster]

Well butler is a 40 game wiiner im not stuppid im just a ******* haha

[Flathead]

It will be interesting to come back to this around mid season and see how things work out. I'm not being a homer but I really do see Swift pushing Regina for 1st this year. Mr. Caldwells only concern with Swift is goaltending, and all though it was only preseason, Yonkman hasn't been scored on yet. I believe he's quite capable.

[hobster]

Nver thought i would say this but pa is better than swifty is in all calagories of the game with there new pickup

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

It will be interesting to come back to this around mid season and see how things work out. I'm not being a homer but I really do see Swift pushing Regina for 1st this year. Mr. Caldwells only concern with Swift is goaltending, and all though it was only preseason, Yonkman hasn't been scored on yet. I believe he's quite capable.

If anything, I think Yonkman is your strong point. Moir was a huge reason swift went as far as they did, and it isnt easy filling his shoes. Yonkman did very well last year, and will do even better this year. I think he will thrive in a bigger role, even though he got an upwards of 20+ games last season anyways.

I have already said how I think the broncos will do in a previous post, so I will leave it at that.

[sbtatter]

Interesting looking back on the predictions. Regina are performing as expected, Swift and Bdn over abd above expectations, PA not as good yet as predicted. But the teams fortunes seem to change after the Xmas break so we'll see if PA can up their game then....

[dagley]

"here are definitely some very good young players coming in but you win with vets, not 16 year olds, and the quality vets are few and far between here"

"goals are going to be tough to come by"

Oh, how 16 year olds can shut people up ^_^